Whether you visit Rome for 3 days, 3 weeks or 3 months, be prepared for an unforgettable experience in the world’s biggest open air museum. That city will seduce you instantly, with its old and modern architecture, great culture and curiosities. Yes, there are many interesting and fascinating facts about Rome and as a traveller, you should know them or you should discover them during your journey. Rome is one of the most photogenic cities of the world, which is not surprising, considering the beauty of St. Peter’s Square, The Vatican or The Colosseum. Let’s find out some great curiosities about this romantic destination.
1. It is also called the “Eternal city”, having 3000 years of rich history and being the oldest continuously populated city in the world. After the fall of Rome, Latin continued in many dialects which became the Romance languages of today like Portuguese, Spanish, Romanian and French.
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Trevi Fountain
2. The first ever-shopping mall was built in Rome, by the Emperor Trajan. The mall had several levels comprising about 150 outlets, selling from food to spices and clothes.
3. The Romans were the first civilization which used concrete and and the arch with notable skills. Nowadays, the city hosts 280 fountains, more than 900 churches and a museum dedicated entirely to pasta.
4. The University of Rome, La Sapienza, is the largest in Europe and the second largest university in the world.
The Colosseum
5. The Colosseum was built in 12 years and if it is full, the exit time for all the spectators is just 3 minutes. It also has a large sun roof that could be stretched to keep all the spectators in the shade.
6. On Capitoline Hill, every year on 21 April, at noon, a special bell named Patarina rings to celebrate the founding of Rome.
7. The Dome of the Pantheon has a peculiar hole (Oculus) whose diameter is bigger than that of Saint Peter. Every year, after the Mass of Pentecost, thousands of red roses are dropped from the Oculus on the faithful.
The Pantheon
8. “All roads lead to Rome” comes from the building of a road network of 53 000 miles, made by Romans, each Roman mile being about 4 800 feet and marked by a milestone.
The Vatican City
9. Some of Rome’s greatest sights are underground. So if you travel to that city, don’t miss an underground tour to see the Mithraic Cult Temple, the Catacombs of Domitilla and the Catacombs of San Sebastiano.
10. There is a secret passage leading out of the Vatican City to Saint Angelo Castle. It was used by popes when Vatican City was under attack. The castle is open to visitors and it is an attraction you shouldn’t miss. You can even enter the passage and visit a part of it.
The capital of Italy is really an interesting destination and beside its romantic side, there is this curious and fascinating side that will impress you. All these facts and the landmarks of the city are waiting for you to discover them. Book your flight on 💼TripEconomy and go visit the Eternal City of Seven Hills.